Apparatus, system and method for determining wear of an article

ABSTRACT

A system for determining wear of an article including an optical fiber for transmitting light from a light source. The optical fiber is embedded in the article, and operatively coupled to an interferometric system. The interferometric system is operatively coupled to a processor. The interferometric system provides the processor with information relating to wear of the optical fiber, and the processor determines wear of the article rate of wear and remaining useful life of the article based on the information relating to wear of the optical fiber.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to an apparatus, system and method for determining wear and the rate of wear of an article such as for example a carbon brush, a brake pad or tire.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dynamoelectric machines such as direct current (DC) motors use carbon brushes to provide a means for transferring current from an external source to a rotating armature of the motor. The brushes are typically made of a carbon particulate such as graphite and a binder material and may also include metallic particles.

These brushes are typically spring loaded to maintain good electrical contact with a commutator (i.e., slip ring) of the motor. A follower spring is employed to apply a biasing force against the rear end of the brush to cause the other end of the brush to be pushed into contact with the commutator. Since the commutator is in motion with the brushes in contact therewith, the brushes wear down over time. Consequently, these brushes must be replaced before they are completely worn in order to protect the commutator of the motor against damage. Alternating current (AC) machines may similarly employ brushes and commutators for the transfer of electric power and have similar brush wear problems.

Because the operating life of carbon brushes depends, respectively, upon the type of operation and environmental conditions of the installed motor and the desire to utilize the brushes to the maximum possible extent without risk to the commutator, it is good practice to monitor the carbon brushes for a predetermined amount of wear.

Cut-off carbon brushes are occasionally employed which automatically switch off a motor drive when a predetermined amount of wear of the carbon brushes has been reached. However, in the absence of expensive and time-consuming intermediate inspections, it is unforeseeable when the motor drive will be switched off. As a result, a process incorporating such a device must take into account the risk of unexpected shutdown of the motor drive due to brush wear.

Carbon brushes with alarm devices which provide an early warning of the failure due to wear are available. These devices typically include an alarm contact provided by an electrical conductor (e.g.,a copper strand) baked into the upper end of the carbon brush by the commutator. When the brush wears by a predetermined amount, the electrical conductor contacts the commutator (or slip ring) which serves to complete an electric circuit or, as by wearing through a loop at the end of the conductor, break an existing circuit. A problem with such a device is that the electrical conductor may cause some damage to the commutator surface if exposed to it for an extended period of time as a result of metal to metal contact. Furthermore, such devices only alert a user that the brush has reached a particular level of wear--such alarm system does not provide a user with the rate of wear of the carbon brush or any type of intermediate evaluation.

Another type of article that is prone to frictional wear is a brake pad. Brake pads in automobiles, for example wear through usage and require periodic replacement. Inspection of brake pads requires the removal of the wheel from the vehicle so that a visual examination may be performed. Many individuals are unwilling and/or unable to perform the inspection or not skilled enough to know what to look for when the wheel is removed.

Many vehicle owners may rely on a dashboard trouble light to indicate when brakes need replacement. However, this trouble light is present to monitor the hydraulic braking system through brake fluid pressure and does not monitor brake pad wear. A squeal from the brakes may be a warning, or may indicate that the rivets holding the brakepad to its backing are contacting a rotor or drum which can cause scoring of the rotor or drum. Should the pad be totally worn out, the noise would be from the pad backing contacting the rotor or drum, which would cause considerable damage to the rotor or drum.

Another article which is prone to wear is a tire for use in an automobile, for example. Tires wear as a result of frictional contact with road surfaces. Furthermore, tires are prone to other problems in connection with pressure and temperature. An improperly inflated tire or worn tire may be manifested as reduced efficiency in gas mileage, reduced performance in ride and handling, reduced performance in vehicle braking, reduced cornering ability, and potential blowout or other catastrophic failure.

Additionally, conventional techniques for monitoring pressure and temperature information relating to an article and/or an environment such as, for example, in a carbon brush or pump chamber often prove to be expensive and/or cumbersome.

In view of the above, there is a strong need in the art for an improved apparatus, system and/or method for determining wear and the rate of wear of an article such as a carbon brush, brake pad or tire, for example. Furthermore, it would be highly desirable to have such an apparatus, system and/or method which can also determine pressure and/or temperature information relating to the article.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention employs an optical fiber to facilitate the measure of wear and the rate of wear of an article that the optical fiber is embedded in. By embedding at least one optical fiber into the article, information relating to the wear and rate of wear of the article can be obtained. For example, in the case of a carbon brush of a dynamoelectric machine, an optical fiber is embedded into the carbon brush in order to obtain such wear data. As the article (i.e., carbon brush) wears so does the optical fiber which has its length direction disposed substantially parallel to the direction of wear of the article.

A light beam is directed into one end of the optical fiber and the light is transmitted through the optical fiber to the surface of a commutator which the brush is in contact with. The light is reflected off the surface of the commutator and transmitted back through the optical fiber. The present invention employs interferometric techniques to analyze the transmitted light signal (i.e., measurement signal) and a reference signal. From the interferometric techniques, information relating to the wear and rate of wear of the fiber optic cable can be determined. Since the optical fiber is substantially weaker than the article it is disposed in, the wear and rate of wear of the optical fiber is substantially that of the article. Thus, wear and rate of wear of the article can be conveniently determined. Wear and rate of wear may be determined extremely accurately with a precision of a fraction (e.g. 2/10) of the wavelength of the transmitted light beam. Furthermore, most dynamoelectric machines employ a multitude of brushes (perhaps 8 or more). The present invention affords for sharing a common light source and some sensing devices.

The aforementioned technique may be employed to analyze wear and rate of wear of a variety of articles including brake pads and tires. For example, an optical fiber may be embedded in a brake pad such that as the brake pad wears so does the optical fiber in its length direction. By using interferometric techniques as discussed herein, the amount of wear and the rate of wear of the brake pad can be determined. Likewise, the amount of wear and the rate of wear of a tire can be determined employing a similar technique.

Additionally, the present invention provides for determining other information such as that relating to surface assessment, article related temperature and/or environmental pressure, motor speed, and article related pressure and/or environmental related pressure.

Light reflected off a surface of something the article is in contact with will have encoded therein data relating to the condition of the surface. Thus, if the article is in contact with a commutator surface for example, the light reflected off the surface of the commutator will change in intensity relative to the passing of the commutator bars and slots and to the condition of the commutator surface. This change in light intensity can be used in accordance with the present invention to determine the condition of the commutator surface (which tend to exhibit changes in reflectivity).

Additionally, an optical fiber having a temperature-sensitive index of refraction in conjunction with a periodic grating structure may be used in accordance with the present invention to determine change in temperature of an article and/or the environment. A change in the index of refraction due to a temperature change will cause a shift in a peak transmission/reflection wavelength of the light being reflected back off the surface. Temperature estimates of the medium (e.g., article body or environment) surrounding the optical fiber may be made by analyzing the attenuation of the reflected light signal at specific wavelengths.

Furthermore, the present invention may be employed to determine the speed of a motor. Time-based frequency measurements of the reflected light beam pulses off the commutator bar surfaces may be employed to provide indication of motor speed.

The present invention may also be used to determine pressure information. An optical fiber will undergo micro-bending as a result of pressure applied thereto. The affect of this bending is an attenuation of the transmitted light signal, which varies in relation to the amount of bending of the optical fiber. Accordingly, the optical fiber can be employed to provide pressure data relating to an article/medium it is exposed to. For instance, if the optical fiber is embedded in an article such as a carbon brush, the optical fiber can provide data relating to the pressure the carbon brush is exposed to. Similarly, if the optical fiber is placed in an environment such as a pump chamber, the optical fiber can provide data relating to the pressure within the pump chamber. Additionally, by exposing the optical fiber to the interior of a tire, for example, pressure information relating to the inflation of the tire may be obtained.

In accordance with one specific aspect of the present invention, a system for determining wear of an article is provided and includes: an optical fiber for transmitting light from a light source, the optical fiber being embedded in the article; and an interferometric system operatively coupled to the optical fiber and a processor; wherein the interferometric system provides the processor with information relating to wear of the optical fiber, and the processor determines wear of the article based on the information.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a system for determining wear of an article is provided and includes: a light source for generating a primary beam; a beam splitter for receiving the primary beam and splitting the primary beam into a reference beam and a measuring beam, the beam splitter directing the reference beam to a mirror; an optical fiber at least part of which is embedded in the article, the optical fiber having first and second ends, the first end receiving the measuring beam, the second end being flush with a contacting surface of the article, the article being in contact with a surface; and a detector for detecting an interference beam from the beam splitter, the interference beam comprising a reflected reference beam and a reflected measuring beam, the detector transforming the interference beam into an electrical signal; and a processor for receiving the electrical signal, the processor determining wear of the article based on the electrical signal.

Another aspect of the present invention provides for a system for determining temperature related information of an article which includes: an optical fiber for transmitting light from a light source, the optical fiber being embedded in the article, the optical fiber having a temperature-sensitive index of refraction, and being operatively coupled to a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor being adapted to receive at least a portion of a measuring beam being transmitted through the optical fiber, the temperature sensor being operatively coupled to a processor, the temperature sensor providing the processor with data based on the measuring beam, and the processor determining temperature related information based on the data.

Still another aspect of the present invention provides for a system for determining pressure of an article which includes: an optical fiber for transmitting light from a light source, the optical fiber being embedded in the article, the optical fiber having at least one induced microbend, and being operatively coupled to a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor being adapted to receive at least a portion of a measuring beam being transmitted through the optical fiber, the pressure sensor being operatively coupled to a processor, the pressure sensor providing the processor with data based on the measuring beam, and the processor determining pressure related information based on the data.

Another aspect of the present invention provides for a carbon brush for providing current to a commutator of a dynamoelectric machine, the carbon brush having at least one optical fiber embedded therein.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method for determining wear is provided and includes the steps of: using an article having an optical fiber embedded therein; using an interferometric system operatively connected to the optical fiber to collect information relating to the optical fiber; and using a processor operatively coupled to the interferometric system to determine wear of the article based on the information.

Still yet another aspect of the present invention provides for a system for determining a condition of an object which includes: an optical fiber for transmitting a measuring light beam toward the object and for transmitting least a portion of the measuring light beam reflected back from the object; a signal monitor operatively coupled to the optical fiber and a processor, the signal monitor adapted to receive the reflected measuring light beam; wherein the signal monitor provides the processor with information based on the reflected measuring light beam, and the processor determines a condition of the object from the information.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention, then, comprises the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention. These embodiments are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed. Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a carbon brush having an optical fiber embedded therein in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a functional schematic diagram of the integrated carbon brush and optical fiber in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3, a schematic diagram of an interferometric system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of one specific system for determining the amount of wear of an article in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of another specific aspect of the present invention which provides for the determination of the amount of wear and rate of wear for multiple articles in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6a is a schematic block diagram of another specific aspect of the present invention which affords for surface assessment in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 6b-6e are illustrations of waveforms representative of various surface conditions of a commutator in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of another specific aspect of the present invention which provides for the determination of the amount of wear, the rate of wear, and surface assessment in connection with multiple articles in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a representative lookup table which provides for narrowing down the possible causes for the wear/damage to a commutator surface in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of another aspect of the present invention which employs a grated optical fiber to facilitate monitoring for changes in temperature in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of another aspect of the present invention in which an optical fiber is employed to facilitate monitoring for changes in pressure in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the present invention as employed in a tire; and

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the present invention as employed in a brake pad.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout.

As is mentioned above, the present invention employs an optical fiber to provide data relating to an article the fiber is embedded in or data relating to an environment the fiber is exposed to. Such data includes the amount of wear and the rate of wear of the article. Furthermore, the present invention can provide data relating to surface condition assessment, article temperature and/or environment temperature, motor speed, and article pressure and/or environmental pressure.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a carbon brush 20 is shown in perspective view with an optical fiber 22 embedded therein. Two current carrying conductors 24, 26 are shown fixed to a non-contacting end of the carbon brush. The other end of the carbon brush 20 slidably contacts with another surface (e.g., commutator surface) which is not shown. The current carrying conductors 24, 26 supply current to the carbon brush 20 which is transferred by the electrically conductive carbon brush 20 to a commutator 30 (FIG. 2) of a dynamoelectric machine (e.g., motor). As will be shown in greater detail below, a spring biases the brush. 20 against the commutator 30 thereby forming a sliding contact. Electrical power is then conducted from the carbon brush 20 through the sliding contact to the commutator 30. A particular motor system may have one or more brush assemblies--each assembly typically including a housing that slidably receives two or more electrical brushes.

Carbon brushes are normally composed of a carbon based matrix. There are a variety of brush compounds for a variety of applications. There are five basic categories of brushes: carbon, carbon-graphite, electrographite, graphite, and metal-graphite. The term "carbon" has a broad meaning that refers to any brush having any quantity of carbon in it regardless of the quantity of other materials. The term also has a narrower meaning to refer to a brush predominantly composed of amorphous carbon such as petroleum coke. Carbon-graphite refers to a brush composed of a mixture of carbon (as defined above) and graphite. Electrographite refers to a brush composed of carbon subjected to intense heat in an electric furnace that graphitizes the carbonaceous binder. Graphite refers to a brush that is predominantly graphite mined from the ground or manufactured in an electric furnace. Metal-graphite refers to graphite brushes having a quantity of metal such as silver or copper.

It is to be appreciated that any type of brush suitable for carrying out the present invention may be employed and falls within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to application in brushes. Rather, the present invention may be employed in conjunction with almost any type of article or device that is prone to wear. Moreover, although only one optical fiber 22 is shown embedded in the article 20, it is to be appreciated that more than one optical fiber 22 may be embedded in the article 20 to obtain wear and rate of wear data relating to different parts of the article 20.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the optical fiber 22 is embedded in the carbon brush 20. The optical fiber 22 is embedded such that its length direction is substantially parallel to the direction of wear of the carbon brush 20. Thus, as the carbon brush 20 wears over time due to sliding contact with the commutator 30 (FIG. 2), the end of the optical fiber will similarly wear and the length of the optical fiber decreases. Since the optical fiber 22 is substantially weaker than the surrounding contacting surface area of the carbon brush 20, the optical fiber 22 wears substantially at the same amount and rate as the carbon brush 20 which the optical fiber 22 is embedded in.

In order to embed the optical fiber 22 in the carbon brush 20, a small cylindrical channel is drilled through the body of the carbon brush. The diameter of the channel being slightly larger than the diameter of the optical fiber. The optical fiber 22 is strung through the brush 20 so as to be taut within the channel. The fiber optic cable 22 may be secured within the channel with an epoxy type material. Fast curing epoxies (such as Devcon 5 Minute Epoxy) or adhesives that cure quickly when exposed to ultra-violet light (such as Norland 61) may be useful in some applications, and may be utilized to manufacture at least one specific aspect of the present invention. Any type of epoxy, glue or other means suitable for securing the fiber optic cable 22 within the channel may be employed as long as it does not exceed the hardness of the brush, does not contaminate the brush, fiber, or commutator, and does not score or mark the commutator 30. The optical fiber 22 is cut so as to be flush with the surface of the carbon brush that comes into contact with the commutator surface.

FIG. 2 is a is a functional schematic diagram of the integrated carbon brush 20 and optical fiber 22 in accordance with the present invention. The carbon brush 20 is shown held by a carbon brush holder 32. The carbon brush 22 is shown contacting a commutator 30 of a DC motor. The carbon brush 20 is biased against the surface of the commutator 30 by a spring follower 34 (e.g., compression spring). The spring follower 34 (which is operatively connected to an outside surface of the brush holder 32) urges the carbon brush 20 toward the commutator 30 so that the commutator-side end portion of the carbon brush 20 is pressed on the outer peripheral surface of the commutator 30. It will be appreciated that any suitable biasing means for urging the carbon brush 20 toward the commutator 30 may be employed. Accordingly, the spring follower 34 may be replaced with a torsion spring, a leaf spring, a glass-shaped spring or the like. The brush holder 32 holding the carbon brush 20 and spring follower 34 is made of a metallic material such as brass, stainless steel or the like and is suitable for firmly securing the carbon brush 20 in a relatively static position with respect to a direction normal to the commutator surface.

The optical fiber 22 is shown embedded in the carbon brush 20 such that one end is exposed to the commutator surface 30. The other end of the optical fiber 22 is shown operatively coupled to an interferometric system 40 which is discussed in greater detail below. The interferometric system 40 is operatively coupled to a light source 42 and a processor 50. It is to be appreciated that the interferometric system 40 and light source 42 could be integrated and even attached to the end of the carbon brush 20 away from the commutator 30. Furthermore, the interferometric system may include a wireless transceiver for wirelessly transmitting data to the processor 50.

As the carbon brush 20 is used it will wear due to electrical, chemical, and mechanical characteristics as a result of contact with the commutator surface. The spring follower 34 provides for continual contact between the carbon brush 20 and commutator 30. Thus, as the carbon brush wears 20, the length of the carbon brush 20 decreases and the carbon brush holder 32 becomes closer in proximity to the commutator surface. The length "L" of the optical fiber 22 will likewise wear as the length of the carbon brush 20 wears. However, the end of the optical fiber that is flush with the contacting surface of the carbon brush 20 will be in like proximity (of the carbon brush 20) to the commutator surface as a result of the optical fiber 22 being embedded in the carbon brush 20. Through interferometric techniques discussed in greater detail below, the amount of wear and rate of wear of the optical fiber 22 can be determined. Since the optical fiber 22 wears as a function of the wear of the brush 20, the interferometric techniques provide for very accurately determining the amount of wear and rate of wear of the carbon brush 20.

Turning now to FIG. 3, a schematic diagram of the interferometric system 40 is shown. The interferometric system 40 is employed in determining the reduction in length of the optical fiber 22 which in turn represents the amount of wear of the carbon brush 20.

One specific aspect of the present invention employs a Michelson-type interferometer. In this kind of interferometer, a light beam 52 from a coherent light source 42 such as a laser is split into two beams using a beam splitter, one of which can be referred to as a reference light beam 54 and the other as a measuring light beam 56. A semireflective mirror 60 is disposed in the path of the light beam 52 at an angle of 45° and is used as the beam splitter. A cube formed by cementing two prisms together may also be used as the beam splitter 60, where the cemented surface is disposed in the beam path at a 45° angle.

When the light beam 52 from the light source 42 (e.g., laser) reaches the beam splitter 60, the light beam 52 is split into the reference beam 54 and the measuring beam 56. The reference beam 54 is reflected toward a mirror 62 where it is reflected back toward the beam splitter 60. The measuring beam passes through the beam splitter 60 towards a focus lens 64. The focus lens 64 focuses the measuring beam 56 to enter a free end of the optical fiber 22. The measuring beam 56 travels through the optical fiber 22 toward the portion of which is embedded in the brush 20. The measuring beam 56 is incident on an interface between the end of the optical fiber 22 and the commutator surface. The commutator surface, typically being reflective, causes the measuring beam 56 to be reflected back away from the interface towards the beam splitter 60. The reflected reference beam 54 and reflected measuring beam 56 are combined by the beam splitter 60 to form an interference beam 68 which is directed toward optical detector 70.

Depending on the phasing of the two beams 54, 56 with respect to one another, the interference beam 68 can assume an amplitude between the sum of the individual amplitudes of the two beams 54, 56 (constructive interference) and zero (destructive interference). When the two beams 54, 56 are 180° out of phase (i.e., destructive interference), a completely dark fringe results. When the two beams 54, 56 are in phase, a bright fringe results. The light being preferably of laser form is a standing wave pattern. Accordingly, each fringe (e.g., dark fringe or portion thereof) as detected by a detector 70 corresponds to a reduction in the length of the optical fiber 22 of 1/2λ (i.e., 1/2 the wavelength of the light source 42).

Thus, by counting the number of fringes based on the output of the detector 70, the reduction in the length of the optical fiber 22 can be determined with great precision since the reference beam 54 is typically of high frequency. For instance, if the reference beam is from a laser diode having an emission wavelength of 800 nm, one dark fringe represents a reduction in length of the optical fiber 22 of 400 nm. The reduction in length of the fiber optic cable 22 by 400 nm equates to a corresponding reduction in length of the carbon brush 20 by 400 nm. Since the carbon brush 20 is substantially hard in composition and may take many months for it to wear only 1 inch, determining the amount of wear at such a micro-level (e.g., in nanometers) is useful. It should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to counting the number of dark fringes. Rather, any type of fringe or portion of fringe may be employed to carry out the present invention.

Furthermore, since the amount of wear can be determined at the micro-level, the present invention provides for the prompt determination of the rate of wear of the carbon brush 20. More particularly, by monitoring the amount of wear of the carbon brush 20 over time a determination as to the rate of wear of the carbon brush 20 can be made. Such monitoring can be made by a processor 80 (FIG. 4) employing a clock (not shown). As a result of determining the rate of wear, the processor 80 can forecast when the carbon brush 20 will need to be replaced. Precise amount of wear information enables precise rate of wear information to be determined in a very short time. Early indication of wear problems are provided in hours or days rather than weeks or months. It is also possible to correlate abnormal wear problems directly with operational and environmental changes. Accordingly, the present invention affords for scheduled maintenance of articles prone to wear which facilitates maximizing article usage and minimizes process down time. In other words, if the rate of wear of the article was not determinable a user could not forecast an optimal time for replacement of the article. Rather, the user would simply shutdown the process using the article when the amount of wear reached a predetermined level. On the other hand, the present invention affords for relatively long-term forecasting of when to replace an article. This aspect of the present invention facilitates process efficiency since shutdowns can be planned in advance.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of one specific system for determining the amount of wear of an article in accordance with the present invention. A source of monochromatic light such as a laser 42 provides light to optical fiber 22 of the interferometric system 40. Preferably, the laser 42 is a frequency stabilized laser however it will be appreciated that any laser or other light source (e.g., laser diode or helium neon (HeNe) gas laser) suitable for carrying out the present invention may be employed. The laser 42 outputs a laser beam 52 which is supplied to the optical fiber 22 of the interferometric system. The interferometric system 40 operates in the manner described above to split the beam 52 into two beams (reference light beam 54 and measuring light beam 56). As mentioned above, after traveling over independent paths, the measuring beam 56 and reference beam 54 are reunited to form an interference beam 68.

The interference beam 68 is supplied to detector 70 which converts the interference beam 68 into an electric signal which is a signal having a magnitude and frequency corresponding to a standing wave pattern or fringe pattern of the interference beam 68. As noted above, depending on the phasing of the two beams 54, 56 with respect to one another, the interference beam 68 can assume an amplitude between the sum of the individual amplitudes (constructive interference) and destructive interference. When the two beams 54, 56 are 180° out of phase (i e., destructive interference), a completely dark fringe results. When the two beams 54, 56 are in phase, a bright fringe results.

The detector 70 is preferably a photodetector or the like which outputs an electrical signal the amplitude of which is indicative of the intensity of light received by the detector 70. The electric signal output by the detector 70 is an analog signal which travels along line 84 and is input to analog-to-digital (A/D) converter 90 which digitizes the analog signal for ease of processing. The digital signal output by the A/D converter 90 is input via line 94 to a pulse detector 98. Each dark fringe (or portion thereof) appears as a zero ("0") or low signal in digital form. Each fringe that results as the interference beam 68 is cycled through the detector 70 and corresponds to a reduction in the length of the fiber optic cable 22 of 1/2λ (i.e., 1/2 the wavelength of the reference beam 54). The pulse detector 98 monitors for the fringes and counts each fringe that cycles therethrough. It will be appreciated that any suitable method for determining the number of fringes may be employed to carry out the present invention and falls within the scope of the claims.

The number of fringes counted by the pulse detector 98 is input to processor 80. The processor 80 is programmed to control and operate the various components within the present invention in order to carry out the various functions described herein. The processor or CPU 80 can be any of a plurality of processors, such as the p24T, Pentium 50/75, Pentium 60/90, and Pentium 66/100, Pentium PRO and Pentium 2, and other similar and compatible processors. The manner in which the processor 80 can be programmed to carry out the functions relating to the present invention will be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art based on the description provided herein. The processor 80 counts the number of fringes with respect to a reference fringe starting count. By the number of fringes that have been counted, the processor 80 can readily determine the reduction in length of the optical fiber 22 with great precision since the reference beam 54 is typically of high frequency. In turn, by determining the reduction in the optical fiber 22, the amount of wear of the carbon brush 20 (i.e., article) is determined as well. The rate of wear can be determined via .increment.fringe count/time.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of another specific aspect of the present invention. This embodiment provides for the determination of the amount of wear and rate of wear for multiple articles 20. Oftentimes, in motor applications more than one brush is employed to provide current to the motor. The number of brushes used corresponds to the number of poles of the motor. Thus, for example, a six-pole motor would have six brushes. In this embodiment, a plurality of interferometric systems 40 similar to that of FIG. 4 are employed. According to this aspect of the present invention, the amount of wear and rate of wear of N number of articles (i.e., brushes 20) can be determined. Like reference numerals indicate like parts with respect to FIG. 4 and thus further description of these components is not presented for sake of brevity. In order to provide light to the plurality of interferometric systems 40, the laser 42 is operatively connected to an optical coupler 100. The optical coupler 100 couples or splits the laser beam delivered by the laser 42 into multiple outgoing beams for use in the respective interferometric systems 40. The beam emitted from laser 42 is collimated and split into multiple split beam portions for introduction into the respective multiple outgoing optical fibers 22. Each split beam portion is introduced into its respective interferometric system 40 in accordance with specific beam introduction criteria.

The present embodiment maximizes the utilization of the laser 42. Frequency stabilized lasers are relatively expensive at the present time and thus maximizing use of the laser 42 is desirable. In broadest terms, this requires making the laser generated beam available to as many functions as possible. A second design objective synergistic with the objective of maximizing laser utilization is to maximize the system's flexibility to deliver the laser beam to the multiple, spatially located brushes 20 which surround the commutator 30. Thus, this specific embodiment of the present invention provides for increased flexibility by splitting the laser beam and delivering the split beam portions through different multiple optical fibers 22 each of which are embedded in different brushes 20.

Each pulse counter 98 of the respective interferometric systems 40 counts the number of digital low signals which correspond to fringes that are cycled through the respective detectors 70 and provides that count to the processor 80. Accordingly, the processor 80 can determine the degree of wear and the rate of wear of each brush 20. It is to be appreciated that the processor 80 may employ any suitable technique (e.g., multi-channel, encoding, multiplexing, etc.) for distinguishing the respective data output by the various pulse counters 98. It will be appreciated that multi-element detectors 70 and/or a multiplexed A/D 90 could be employed to further consolidate the present embodiment.

FIG. 6a is a schematic block diagram of another specific aspect of the present invention. This embodiment is similar to that of FIG. 4 but further includes a signal monitor (SM) 110. Like reference numerals between FIGS. 4, 5 and 6a indicate like parts and thus further discussion related thereto is eliminated in order to avoid redundancy. The SM 110 is operatively coupled to an optical fiber 112, laser 42 and the processor 80. The SM provides for directing a measuring beam 56_(s) from the laser 42 to the optical fiber 112. The measuring beam 56_(s) travels through the optical fiber, at least a portion of which is embedded in an article such as brush 20. The measuring beam 56_(s) will strike an object that the article 20 is in contact with and be reflected back through the optical fiber 112. The SM 110 receives the reflected measuring beam 56_(s). The SM 110 converts the reflected measuring beam 56_(s) to an electrical signal and filters the signal such that a predetermined bandwidth is output to the processor 80. The processor 80 analyzes the signal output by the SM 110 and is able to render an assessment of the condition of the commutator surface from the signal.

More particularly, worn or damaged commutator surfaces exhibit various characteristics. Pitch bar-marking on the commutator surface is a result from low or burned spots on the commutator surface that equals half or all the number of poles of the motor. Heavy slot bar-marking on the commutator surface is a result of etching of the trailing edge of the commutator bar in relation to the number of conductors per slot. Threading with fine lines on the commutator surface is a result of excessive metal transfer leading to resurfacing and excessive brush wear. Streaking of the commutator surface denotes the beginning of serious metal transfer to the carbon brush. Copper drag is an abnormal amount of excessive commutator material at the trailing edge of the commutator bar--although rare, flash over may occur if not corrected. Grooving is caused by an abrasive material in the brush or atmosphere.

Each of the commutator surface problems has a respective signal pattern which may be output by the SM 110. Accordingly, the processor 80 can determine what type of commutator problems exist based on the signal pattern output by the SM 110. Once the processor 80 determines the wear and/or damage condition of the commutator surface it can make troubleshooting recommendations as to the cause of the wear and/or damage condition. For example, the processor 80 can employ a lookup table stored in a memory (not shown) operatively coupled to the processor 80. A representative lookup table is shown at FIG. 8, which provides for narrowing down the possible causes for the wear/damage to the commutator surface. For instance, if the processor 80 determines from the filter output that grooving of the commutator surface has occurred, the processor 80 can inform the user that the likely cause of the condition is either contamination from abrasive dust or caused by an abrasive brush.

It should be appreciated that a single optical fiber 22 may be operatively coupled to both the signal monitor 110 and the interferometric system 40 in order to optimize optical fiber utilization.

FIGS. 6b-6d are illustrations representative of analog waveforms of the converted reflected measuring beam 56 with respect to various commutator surface conditions. FIG. 6b depicts an analog waveform of a reflected measuring beam 56_(b) for a commutator 30_(b) having a normal surface. In this embodiment, the commutator surface is comprised of many equidistantly spaced bars. As the measuring beam 56_(b) strikes a bar the reflected back measuring beam 56_(b) exhibits a higher amplitude than that reflected off a slot (i.e., space) between adjacent bars. Thus, the analog waveform of a measuring, beam 56_(b) reflected off a normal commutator surface will look similar to a square wave wherein the portions of high amplitude represent the measuring beam 56_(b) being reflected off a bar and the portions of low amplitude represent the measuring beam 56_(b) being reflected off a space between two bars.

FIG. 6c illustrates a representative analog waveform of a reflected measuring beam 56_(c) of a commutator surface having leading edge wear of bars of the commutator 30_(c). Leading edge wear of the bars results in the reflected measuring beam 56_(c) having a correspondingly tapered sloped amplitude of the leading edge of the waveform. More particularly, since the amplitude of the reflected measuring beam 56_(c) is a function of the height of the bar, the more worn portions of the bar will result in a reflected measuring beam 56_(c) having lower amplitude. Thus, as the reflected measuring beam 56_(c) moves initially from the space between two bars (where it has lowest amplitude) then along the worn leading edge of a bar toward the unworn portion of the bar, the amplitude of the reflected measuring beam 56_(c) increases.

FIG. 6d illustrates a representative analog waveform of a reflected measuring beam 56_(b) of a commutator surface having surface contamination. The surface contamination results in the reflected measuring beam 56_(d) having sloped amplitude as well as lower amplitude as compared to the reflected measuring beam 56_(b) of FIG. 6b.

FIG. 6e illustrates a representative analog waveform of a reflected measuring beam 56_(e) of a commutator surface having scratches in the commutator surface. The scratches result in the reflected measuring beam 56_(e) having lower amplitude as compared to the reflected measuring beam 56_(b) of FIG. 6b.

It should be appreciated that the analog waveforms illustrated in FIGS. 6b-6d are representative of only a few of many possible analog waveforms of the measuring beam 56 with respect to a variety of commutator surface conditions. Accordingly, the scope of present invention is intended to include the determination of surface conditions of an object that the article 22 is in contact with. The surface condition of the object may be determined by comparing the analog waveform of the measuring beam 56 reflected off the surface of the object and assessing the condition of the surface based on the reflected measuring beam 56. The assessment may be made by comparing the analog waveform against an expected waveform and/or by comparing the analog waveform against a table of waveforms stored in a memory, each of the stored waveforms being indicative of a particular surface condition. Any system, device, means or methodology for analyzing the reflected measuring beam 56 suitable for determining surface conditions may be employed to carry out the present invention and falls within the scope of the claims.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of another specific aspect of the present invention. This embodiment is similar to that of FIG. 6a but provides for the determination of the amount of wear, the rate of wear, and surface assessment in connection with multiple articles 20. As mentioned above, in motor applications more than one brush may be employed to provide current to the motor. The number of brushes used corresponds to the number of poles of the motor. In this embodiment, a plurality of interferometric systems 40 and analog signal monitors 94 similar to that of FIG. 6a are employed. According to this aspect of the present invention, the amount of wear, the rate of wear and commutator surface assessment in connection with N number of brushes 20 can be determined. Like reference numerals indicate like parts with respect to FIG. 6a and thus further description of these components is not presented for sake of brevity. Similar to the embodiment described in FIG. 5, the present embodiment maximizes the utilization of the laser 42.

In addition, either of the embodiments of FIGS. 6a or 7 may be employed to determine the speed of a motor. Time-based frequency measurements of the reflected light beam pulses off the commutator surface may be employed to provide indication of motor speed.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of another aspect of the present invention. In this embodiment, an optical fiber 200 with a grating is employed which may be employed to monitor for changes in temperature. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 4 and 6a, except that the optical fiber 200 is grated so as to have a temperature-sensitive index of refraction in conjunction with a periodic grating structure to provide for monitoring changes in temperature of article 202 and a temperature sensor 210 is operatively coupled to the optical fiber 200 so as to monitor the reflected measuring beam 56_(t) (similar to the manner discussed above with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 6a) for changes in temperature. Like parts between the embodiments of FIGS. 4, 6a and 9 include like reference numerals. Further discussion as to parts already discussed is limited for sake of brevity.

The temperature sensor 210 is operatively coupled the optical fiber 200, laser 42 and the processor 80. The temperature sensor 210 provides for directing a measuring beam 56_(t) from the laser 42 to the optical fiber 200. The measuring beam 56 _(t) travels through the optical fiber 200, at least a portion of which is embedded in an article such as brush 202. The measuring beam 56_(t) will strike an object that the article 202 is in contact with and be reflected back through the optical fiber 200. The temperature sensor 210 receives the reflected measuring beam 56_(t). The temperature sensor 210 converts the reflected measuring beam 56_(t) to an electrical signal and outputs it to the processor 80. The processor 80 analyzes the signal output by the temperature sensor 210 and is able to make a determination of temperature relating to the article 202.

It is to be appreciated that any grating suitable for carrying out the present invention may be employed. The optical fiber 200 will be grated such that a change in the index of refraction due to a temperature change will cause a shift in the peak transmission/reflection wavelength of the light being reflected off a surface. Temperature estimates of the article surrounding the wave-guide may be made by analyzing the attenuation of the reflected light signal at specific wavelengths. The present invention affords for a temperature sensing system/method that is light in weight, nonobtrusive, substantially insensitive to electromagnetic interference and capable of withstanding extreme conditions including wide temperature extremes, shocks and vibration.

To accomplish such a system/method, fiber gratings are constructed by doping the core of the optical fiber 200 with material such as germania. When exposed to light, the index of refraction of an optical core of silica based fiber with appropriate core dopants have been observed to have a modified index of refraction. By using phase masks or interfering laser beams as discussed above, it is possible to produce multiple variations in the index of refraction along the length of the fiber core producing an internal grating structure. Adjusting the spacing of the period during formation of the fiber grating changes its spectral transmission and reflection characteristics. When the optical fiber 200 is subject to longitudinal strain or compression along its length axis, the fiber gratings 206, 208 expand or contract causing a spectral shift that may be measured to determine longitudinal strain. By having two separated wavelengths for the fiber gratings 206, 208, respectively, λ₁ and λ₂, temperature changes as well as longitudinal changes of the optical fiber 200 may be measured. It should be appreciated that for measuring temperature of the article 202, an end of the optical fiber 20 may terminate within the article 202 rather than at a surface of the article 202.

Thus, by embedding the optical fiber 200 in an article such as a carbon brush 202, the amount of wear, the rate of wear and temperature fluctuations of the carbon brush 202 can be monitored. More specifically, the interferometric techniques discussed above with respect to measuring the amount of wear and the rate of wear of the carbon brush 20 may be combined with the grating system of FIG. 9 to result in a system which provides for monitoring several parameters relating to wear and temperature.

It will be appreciated that any suitable technique for grating the fiber optic cable 200 may be employed to carry out the present invention. U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,965 entitled Multiparameter Sensor System Using Multiple Grating Fiber Optic Birefringement Fiber teaches an exemplary system of fiber optic grating, and this patent is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Turning now to FIG. 10, a schematic block diagram of another aspect of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, an optical fiber 220 is employed which may be employed to monitor for changes in pressure. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 4, 6a and 9 except that the optical fiber 220 includes microbends 230 to provide for monitoring changes in pressure relating to an article/environment 224. Like parts between the embodiments of FIGS. 4, 6a and 9 include like reference numerals. Further discussion as to parts already discussed is limited for sake of brevity.

A pressure sensor 222 is operatively coupled the optical fiber 220, laser 42 and the processor 80. The pressure sensor 222 provides for directing a measuring beam 56_(p) from the laser 42 to the optical fiber 220. The measuring beam 56_(p) travels through the optical fiber, at least a portion of which is embedded in an article such as brush 224. The measuring beam 56_(p) will strike an object that the article 224 is in contact with and be reflected back through the optical fiber 220. The pressure sensor 222 receives the reflected measuring beam 56_(p). The pressure sensor 222 converts the reflected measuring beam 56_(p) to an electrical signal and filters the signal such that a predetermined bandwidth is output to the processor 80. The processor 80 analyzes the signal output by the pressure sensor 222 and is able to make a determination of pressure relating to the article 224.

More particularly, the optical fiber 220 will undergo micro-bending as a result of pressure applied thereto. The affect of this bending is an attenuation of the measuring light beam 56_(p), which varies in relation to the amount of bending of the optical fiber 220. Accordingly, the optical fiber 220 can be employed to provide pressure data relating to the article/medium 224 it is exposed to. For instance, if the optical fiber 220 is embedded in an article such as a carbon brush, the optical fiber 220 can provide data relating to the pressure the carbon brush is exposed to. Similarly, if the optical fiber 220 is placed in an environment such as a pump chamber, the optical fiber can provide data relating to the pressure within the pump chamber. Additionally, by exposing the optical fiber 220 to the interior of a tire, pressure information relating to the inflation of the tire may be obtained.

A section of the optical fiber 220 contains a plurality of permanently induced microbends 230, that is, random or periodic undulations in the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber 220, which are typically small in amplitude relative to the diameter of the optical fiber 220. In a preferred embodiment, the microbends 230 are periodic and quasi-sinusoidal. As the pressure surrounding the fiber cable 220 changes, the optical output correspondingly changes because the pressure change affects the amplitude of the induced microbends 230 which in turn affects the optical transmissivity of the optical fiber 220. The increase or decrease in the output of the optical fiber 220 may be employed to monitor pressure changes the optical fiber 220 is exposed to. Any suitable technique for inducing microbends may be employed to carry out the present invention. It should be appreciated that for measuring pressure of the article 224, an end of the optical fiber 220 may terminate within the article 224 rather than at a surface of the article 224.

By combining various embodiments discussed above with respect to measuring the amount of wear and the rate of wear of the carbon brush 20 with the pressure sensing embodiment of FIG. 10 a system results which provides for monitoring several parameters relating to wear and pressure of an article the fiber optic cable 220 is embedded in.

It is to be appreciated that the grating technique discussed above with respect to FIG. 9 and the microbending technique of FIG. 10 may be combined together with other aforementioned embodiments of the present invention to provide a multi-parameter sensing system which provides for the monitoring of article wear, rate of wear, article temperature and article pressure.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the present invention as employed in a tire 20. As mentioned above, the present invention may be employed to analyze wear, rate of wear, and/or temperature and/or pressure information relating to the tire 20. Information obtained by the interferometric system may be transmitted wirelessly to the processor 50. It will be appreciated that a temperature sensor or pressure sensor may be employed in place of or in addition to the interferometric system 40.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the present invention as employed in a brake pad 20. As mentioned above, the present invention may be employed to analyze wear, rate of wear, and/or temperature and/or pressure information relating to the brake pad 20. It will be appreciated that a temperature sensor or pressure sensor may be employed in place of or in addition to the interferometric system 40.

What has been described above are preferred embodiments of the present invention. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the present invention, but one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the present invention are possible. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for determining wear of an article, comprising:an optical fiber for transmitting light from a light source, the optical fiber being embedded in the article; and an interferometric system operatively coupled to the optical fiber and a processor; wherein the interferometric system provides the processor with information relating to wear of the optical fiber, and the processor determines wear of the article based on the information.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor determines rate of wear of the article based on the information.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein a length direction of the optical fiber is substantially parallel to a direction of wear of the article.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the interferometric system generates a reference beam and a measuring beam from the light source, the measuring beam being transmitted through the optical fiber.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the interferometric system generates an interference beam from a reflected reference beam and a reflected measuring beam.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the interference beam includes at least one fringe, the at least one fringe corresponding to a change in length of the optical fiber.
 7. The system of claim 6, further including a counter for counting the at least one fringe.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the article is a carbon brush.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the article is a tire.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the article is a brake pad.
 11. A system for determining wear of an article, comprising:a light source for generating a primary beam; a beam splitter for receiving the primary beam and splitting the primary beam into a reference beam and a measuring beam, the beam splitter directing the reference beam to a mirror; an optical fiber at least part of which is embedded in the article, the optical fiber having first and second ends, the first end receiving the measuring beam, the second end being flush with a contacting surface of the article, the article being in contact with a surface; and a detector for detecting an interference beam from the beam splitter, the interference beam comprising a reflected reference beam and a reflected measuring beam, the detector transforming the interference beam into an electrical signal; and a processor for receiving the electrical signal, the processor determining wear of the article based on the electrical signal.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the processor determines rate of wear of the article based on the electrical signal.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein a length direction of the optical fiber is substantially parallel to a direction of wear of the articles.
 14. The system of claim 11, wherein the light source is a laser.
 15. The system of claim 11, wherein the interference beam includes at least one fringe, the at least one fringe corresponding to a change in length of the optical fiber.
 16. The system of claim 15, further including a counter for counting the at least one fringe, the counter providing the processor with a count of the at least one fringe.
 17. The system of claim 11, wherein the article is a carbon brush.
 18. The system of claim 11, wherein the article is a tire.
 19. The system of claim 11, wherein the article is a brake pad.
 20. A method for determining wear, comprising the steps of:using an article having an optical fiber embedded therein; using an interferometric system operatively connected to the optical fiber to collect information relating to wear of the optical fiber; and using a processor operatively coupled to the interferometric system to determine wear of the article based on the information.
 21. The method of claim 20 further including the step of using the processor to determine the rate of wear of the article based on the information.
 22. A system for determining a condition of an object, comprising:an optical fiber at least a portion of which is embedded in the object, the optical fiber transmitting a measuring light beam toward the object and transmitting at least a portion of the measuring light beam which is reflected back; a signal monitor operatively coupled to the optical fiber and a processor, the signal monitor adapted to receive the reflected measuring light beam, the signal monitor including an interferometer for analyzing the reflected measuring light beam; wherein the signal monitor provides the processor with information relating to wear of the optical fiber, and the processor determines wear of the object based on the information.
 23. The system of claim 22, wherein the information is a signal, and the processor compares the signal to known signal signatures to determine the condition of the object.
 24. The system of claim 22, wherein the information is a signal and the processor analyzes characteristics of a pattern of the signal to determine the condition of the object.
 25. The system of claim 22, wherein the object is one of: a carbon brush; a brake pad; and a tire.
 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the object is in slidable contact with another object.
 27. A system for determining wear of a carbon brush, comprising:an optical fiber for transmitting light from a light source, at least part of the optical fiber being embedded in the carbon brush, the optical fiber wearing at a rate corresponding to wear of the carbon brush; and an interferometric system operatively coupled to the optical fiber and a processor; wherein the interferometric system provides the processor with information relating to wear and rate of wear of the optical fiber, and the processor determines wear and rate of wear of the carbon brush based on the information.
 28. A system for determining wear of a tire, comprising:an optical fiber for transmitting light from a light source, at least part of the optical fiber being embedded in the tire, the optical fiber wearing at a rate corresponding to wear of the tire; and an interferometric system operatively coupled to the optical fiber and a processor; wherein the interferometric system provides the processor with information relating to wear and rate of wear of the optical fiber, and the processor determines wear and rate of wear of the tire based on the information.
 29. A system for determining wear of a brake pad, comprising:an optical fiber for transmitting light from a light source, at least part of the optical fiber being embedded in the brake pad, the optical fiber wearing at a rate corresponding to wear of the brake pad; and an interferometric system operatively coupled to the optical fiber and a processor; wherein the interferometric system provides the processor with information relating to wear and rate of wear of the optical fiber, and the processor determines wear and rate of wear of the brake pad based on the information. 